Audi Audi 80 History

Compact car · 1972–1996

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History

Launched in 1972 as the B1-generation Audi 80, the car was an early example of the premium compact executive segment — a step above the mainstream Volkswagen Golf (with which it shared some engineering) but aimed at buyers who wanted genuine quality and driver involvement in a smaller package.

Five generations (B1 through B4) were built over 24 years. The B2 (1978–1986) introduced the quattro all-wheel-drive option to a production saloon for the first time in 1984, spreading the technology born in the Ur-Quattro to everyday family cars. The B3 and B4 generations carried the nameplate through to 1996.

The final B4-generation Audi 80 (1991–1996) was replaced by the Audi A4 when Audi adopted its alphanumeric naming system — a lineage that continues today.

Generations

First generation (B1) · B1 (1972–1978)

The founding compact Audi — a premium alternative to the mainstream VW Golf in the emerging executive-compact class.
- 1977
  Photo: “File:Audi 80 GLS 1977 (8680932070).jpg” by nakhon100 / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (B2) · B2 (1978–1986)

Added quattro all-wheel drive to the production saloon for the first time (1984), spreading the rally-bred technology to family cars.
- 1985
  Photo: “File:1985 Audi 80 GL 1.8 Front.jpg” by Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 1986
  Photo: “File:1986 Audi 80 GT (white), front right.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
Fourth generation (B4) · B4 (1991–1996)

The last Audi 80 — replaced by the A4 when Audi adopted alphanumeric naming.